"The Governor met her, spoke to her, even gave her fruits," said Ms Saraswati, adding that the "Governor's report also says she is getting better."

A statement from Mr Rao's office had said yesterday, "The Governor was happy to note that the Chief Minister is recovering well and appreciated the doctors for providing the best medical care and treatment."

The party spokesperson said today that the Chief Minister is meeting ministers and officials every day and that "the government is functioning like always." ''Amma works 22 out of 24 hours for the party. We want her to get some rest. That is why she is staying on in hospital," she said.

She rejected calls by opposition leader M Karunanidhi for a photograph to be released of the 68-year-old to rein in speculation about her condition, saying, "Amma is a woman and in hospital; it is not right to ask for her photo."

The AIADMK had said on Saturday that it hoped their leader would be discharged soon and also, "We are answerable only to people, not the opposition."

Throughout her hospitalisation, the AIADMK has shot down reports that the Chief Minister, a former movie star and one of the most popular and powerful politicians in the country, is seriously unwell.

It has said she has been treated for fever and dehydration. Amid escalating speculation about her health, the party has filed four police cases against people who misreported her condition on social media.

Other Opposition leaders like the PMK's Dr S Ramadoss have also questioned the lack of information about the Chief Minister's health, pointing out that it has given rise to worry and speculation.